What will you give up?

Eighteen-year-old Mohan Masih was working at the brick kilns in Pakistan when he consulted his pastor about other work opportunities. Mohan’s pastor suggested that he sell Christian literature to brick kiln workers as a way to spread the gospel and make a living.

After this conversation with his pastor, Mohan happily began this new job. He attached an audio cassette player and a speaker to his bicycle so that he could play Christian music while he rode through the brick kiln with his Christian literature.

However, the owner of the brick kiln wasn’t happy with Mohan’s new line of work. He was angry that Mohan was no longer building bricks, and he did not like the Christian music Mohan played. He warned Mohan that there would be “severe consequences” if he didn’t stop distributing Christian literature.

Not long after this, Mohan was riding his bike home when two men jumped in front of him. The men were armed with a pistol and an axe. They demanded that Mohan stop selling the Christian literature, but Mohan bravely refused. In retaliation, one of the men swung the axe into Mohan’s left arm. Mohan fell to the ground, writhing in pain, while his attackers fled.

Mohan’s arm had to be amputated. His family could only afford base medical care for Mohan, and soon he developed a severe infection. VOM found out about Mohan and stepped in to help. Mohan received the proper care he needed and his arm was fitted for prosthesis.

Mohan Masih gave up an arm for the Kingdom of God. Would you be willing to do the same? Would you sacrifice you home, your cash and your income? What about your life?

Young Mohan will live his entire life without a left arm, but this loss hasn’t changed his mind about ministry. Mohan said, “I have lost my one arm; even if they cut (off) my other body parts, I am ready for that. I will carry on with my work even if death is the result. Building the Lord’s kingdom is a mission of my life.”

Praise God for this young man’s courageous strength and eternal perspective! Instead of seeking revenge or becoming bitter over his loss, Mohan Masih will continue to fulfill God’s calling for his life. I pray each of us will reflect this perspective when we’re asked to give something up for the Kingdom.